Masters Degrees (Neuropathology)

About the course

Lead academic 2016: Dr Julie Simpson

This course combines taught modules on the fundamental aspects of the major nervous system diseases, with the development of practical laboratory skills encompassing histopathology, molecular pathology and microscopy.

You’ll be trained to use tissue samples in neuroscience research aimed at understanding the pathophysiology of nervous system diseases and you’ll discover how laboratory breakthroughs have been translated into clinical benefits.

The course will be taught by scientists and consultant neuropathologists who are experts in their fields. You’ll get the opportunity to carry out neuroanatomy dissection and you’ll work with leading research groups during the research project.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Core modules

Neuro-anatomy; Basic Principles of Pathology and Histopathology; Molecular Neuroscience; Ethics and Public Awareness of Science; Pathology and Modelling of Neurodegenerative Disease; Neuroinflammation, Neuro-Oncology and Neurovascular Disease; Literature Review and Critical Analysis of Science; Research Project.

Teaching and assessment

The taught component of the MSc is delivered through practical laboratory classes and demonstrations, lectures, seminars and tutorials. Assessment is primarily through written assignments and coursework, along with practical laboratory assessments, spotter exams, presentations and debates. The research project is assessed by a thesis and oral presentation.

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he MSc in Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology aims to provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in the following areas relevant to clinical neuropsychology:

Neuropsychological theory and evidence from clinical and experimental studies
Neuropsychological disorders, including their basis in neuroanatomy and neuropathology, and their impact on individuals and families
Neuropsychological assessment
Neuropsychological rehabilitation
Research Methods
Conducting neuropsychological research.

The course will be of interest to graduates in psychology or closely-related disciplines, and to established health professionals with appropriate clinical qualifications and relevant experience.

How the course can further your career progression
This course of study can serve as a basis for research, clinical training, or professional practice in this area. On successful completion of the course, students will be well-equipped to undertake further postgraduate study leading to a PhD, or to work in neuropsychological research. The course is validated by the ESRC as providing an appropriate Master’s level research training within the 1 + 3 PhD model . The course provides an excellent basis for seeking employment in health care, for example as an assistant psychologist or rehabilitation assistant, and for progressing to professional training, for example in clinical psychology or related areas. Established health professionals taking the course will find that it provides a valuable opportunity for continuing professional development, which may contribute to future career progression.

Course Content
The course includes three components: content modules, research methods modules, and a research thesis. Content and methods modules are all 20 credit modules and the research thesis is worth 60 credits. Students achieving 120 credits on the taught modules, but not completing a research thesis, may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma. The content modules are designed to provide an in-depth look at theory, evidence and practice in clinical neuropsychology.

Student Profile
To get a taste of what life as a postgraduate student in the School of Psychology is like, you may want to read the profiles of some of our current and past Postgraduate students.

Funding
Please see School Page for details

Career Prospects
The course can serve as a basis for research, clinical training, or professional practice in this area. On successful completion of the course, students will be well equipped to undertake further postgraduate study leading to a PhD, or to work in neuropsychological research. The course provides an excellent basis for seeking employment in health care, for example as an assistant psychologist or rehabilitation assistant, and for progressing to professional training, for example in clinical psychology or related areas. Established health professionals taking the course will find that it provides a valuable opportunity for continuing professional development, which may contribute to future career progression.

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The aim of this one-year full-time course is to provide you with a broad research training in neuroscience, which will prepare you for PhD studies and enable you to make a more informed choice for your PhD research.

You will complete three projects during the year, designed to give you practical experience of laboratory research, and chosen to cover a wide range of skills.

Projects are provided by academics who are leaders in their fields of research and cover a wide range of disciplines including:

Cell and molecular biology
Genetics
Neuropathology
Imaging

You will also be required to write three mini-dissertations on set topics covering all aspects of neuroscience.

On completion of the course you should have an understanding of the basic and applied aspects of research in the field of neuroscience and a range of transferable skills.

The skills acquired will also be of value for those wishing to pursue a career in clinical service, industry or scientific publishing.

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Gain both theoretical and practitioner’s knowledge of cognitive neuroscience. Cognitive neuroscience combines techniques and skills including psychometric testing, electroencephalogram (EEG) eye tracking and imaging techniques – for application to neuropathological and healthy groups in clinical, academic or biomedical settings. Neuropathological groups may include people with head injuries, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. This course is ideal if you:
-Are a graduate with an applied or pure science degree including psychology, biosciences and nursing, and want to pursue a research, clinical or biomedical career in neuroscience.
-Work in a related area and wish to formalise and develop your skills, knowledge and expertise as part of continuing professional development.
-Want to open alternative career pathways.
-Are an EU or international student with the appropriate background and qualifications.

The course gives you the knowledge and skills to evaluate cognitive and brain function and dysfunction in healthy and neuropathological groups. You learn to understand the important ethical issues involved in neuroscientific research targeted at neuropathological and healthy groups, such as drug development for commercial gain.

You have an opportunity to go on a six months work placement in a clinical setting under supervision of professional neuropsychologist consultants.

We also build your research skills enabling you to work as an independent researcher in this area.You have the opportunity to attend workshops run by experts from relevant professions and fields of work. Examples include private clinical consultants, NHS neuropsychologist, teaching staff from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course at the University of Sheffield and alumi from our course working in academia and the private sector.

Our specialist learning resources include psychometric measures for assessing cognitive function and 3D model brains for understanding neuroanatomy. You learn to use specialist equipment including:
-EEG
-Transcranial magnetic stimulation
-Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
-Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
-Visuo-psychophysics equipment.

Some lectures are taught by guest tutors including clinical psychologists and neuroimaging experts. You are automatically affiliated with our Brain, Behaviour and Cognition Research Group, which:
-Delivers targeted neuroscience workshops.
-Organises subject specific presentations.
-Has regular research meetings.
-Has strong collaborative links with other institutions.

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/msc-clinical-cognitive-neuroscience

Course structure

Full time – 1 year. Part time – typically 1 day per week for 2 years. Starts September.

Core modules
To graduate with an MSc you complete the following modules:
-Neursopsychopharmacology
-Neuron to neuropathology
-Cognitive neuroscience methods
-Electrophysiology
-Perception and cognition across the lifespan
-Research dissertation

Assessment: coursework; seminar activities; examinations; dissertation.

Other admission requirements

If English is not your first language, you need an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score

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This established course has been running for over 15 years and it’s main strength lies in the year long project that is offered alongside a variety of taught modules.

Structure:

Terms 1 - 4: Taught modules and research project

Optional modules:

-Biology of Disease
-Cell Culture and Antibody Technology
-Enzyme Technology and Biocatalysis
-Fermentation Technology
-Microbial Physiology and Genomics
-Molecular Biology and DNA Technology
-Neurobiology and Neuropathology
-Pharmacology
-Special Topics in Molecular Biology
-Business and Bioethics
-Research Methods

Possible research project areas:

-Mechanistic studies of the toxicity of the plant toxin
-Diaminopropionic acid towards cultured nerve cells
-Isolation and characterisation of the 26S proteosome from a cancer cell line
-Involvement of the protein crosslinking enzymetissue transglutaminase in tubulogenesis and angiogenesis.

Assessment:

Written exam, oral presentation, assignment, poster presentation, thesis.

Possible employers on completion of this course:
-AstraZeneca
-Academic institutes
-Unilever

COME VISIT US ON OUR NEXT OPEN DAY!

Register here: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/university-life-and-nottingham/open-days/find-your-open-day/science-and-technology-postgraduate-and-professional-open-event2.

The course is a part of the School of Science and Technology (http://www.ntu.ac.uk/sat) which has first-class facilities (http://www.ntu.ac.uk/sat/facilities).

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Learn how different brain functions contribute to cognition, mediate social interaction, and determine mental health, well-being and psychiatric illness.

Who is it for?

This Masters is ideal for those who have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline and would like to build more knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. Students will also be well-equipped should they wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.

Objectives

This Masters degree bridges three research and clinical disciplines:
-Cognitive neuroscience (the study of human brain functions such as memory, perception and language).
-Clinical neuroscience (the understanding of neurological, psychological or psychiatric illness via their neural and cognitive antecedents).
-Social neuroscience (the investigation of brain processes that help us communicate, feel, learn and interact with others).

The major aim of this programme is to provide you with a thorough grounding in the neuroscience that underpins human cognitive brain function, clinical, social and affective interaction, and neuropathology.

Teaching will comprise of seminars, lectures, computing and statistics classes, and supervision of an individual research project. Your learning experience during the programme will be enhanced by an invited speaker’s programme of external experts who work in clinical, social or cognitive neuroscience.

Academic facilities

You will have access to all the facilities and laboratories in the Psychology Department. Our members have experience with a wide range of neuroscientific techniques, including neuropsychological testing, psychophysics and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

We have particular strengths in the use of Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Electric Stimulation (a weak current applied to the scalp), in addition to measures of human behaviour (e.g. response times, response errors, and eye movements) and physiological measures (e.g. galvanic skin response and heart rate).

We test neurologically normal individuals, special populations (e.g. people with synesthesia) and people with expertise or acquired skills (e.g. dancers, musicians, athletes), as well as people with brain damage (e.g. neglect or split-brain patients), psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. schizophrenia), sensory deficits (e.g. visual and hearing impairments) and developmental disorders (e.g. dyslexia or autism).

Placements

We help facilitate Clinical placements and are able and offer Research placements within our department.

Clinical placements: Center for Psychological Wellbeing and Neuroscience (CPWN) in collaboration with City and Hackney Mind (CHM).

Teaching and learning

Teaching will be comprised of lectures, seminars, group work and discussions, workshops and tutorials, reports, computing and statistics classes and the individual research dissertation.

You will undertake independent study, supported by the teaching and learning team, and will receive detailed feedback on your coursework. You will be provided with assessment and grade-related criteria which will outline your intended learning outcomes, along with the skills, knowledge and attitudes you are expected to demonstrate in order for you to complete an assessment successfully. You will also be assigned a personal tutor as your primary contact, who will advise you on academic matters and monitor your progress through the programme.

You will find a supportive vibrant research environment in the Department. The course is taught by academics, who are internationally recognised experts in their field with different backgrounds in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience.

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed through essays, examinations, oral presentations, research methods projects and interpretation of statistical analyses, formal research proposals and a dissertation.

Modules

The programme consists of eight taught modules worth 15 credits each with around 30-34 hours of face-to-face contact, supported by online resources and an empirical research project (worth 60 credits).

You will learn about the latest advances in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience and develop an appreciation of the reciprocal nature of research and practice in these domains. For example how insights from functional neuroimaging inform our understanding of neurological disorders and how clinical observations inform neurocognitive modelling.

Course structure
-Principles of Neuroscience: Brain anatomy, techniques and paradigms
-Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Mental Health, Well-being and Neuroscience
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology I
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology II
-Social Cognition and the Social Brain
-Statistical models and Research Methods and Programming
-Research Dissertation
-Invited speakers programme

Career prospects

This course will provide you with knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. You will also be well-equipped should you wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire in this programme are highly valuable, whether you choose to pursue further research or an applied occupation. They will enhance your employability prospects in a wide range of sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, neuromarketing, the computing industry, science and the media, science and the arts, business or education.

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This MSc programme in Biomedical Sciences offers research training for student intending to proceed to a career in biomedical sciences, either directly or through a PhD. It is based on a research project and coursework.

Why this programme

◾Ranked world top 100 for Biological Sciences
◾The programme provides training in a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques required to pursue a research career in biomedical science.
◾You will gain valuable practical research experience by using the skills and techniques acquired during the programme to complete an in depth research project.
◾If you are aiming to study for a higher degree, or enter a biomedical career, then this programme is designed specifically for you.
◾If you want to enter the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, this programme provides excellent training.
◾It is an ideal introduction for overseas students who may wish to proceed to PhD studies in the UK, Europe or the USA.
◾This course is similar to the MRes Biomedical Sciences, but instead has more teaching in the first part of the programme, and one research project, which starts later in the year. This allows students more time to acquire knowledge and skills before they start their research work.

Programme structure

The overall aims of the programme are:
◾to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in laboratory research.
◾to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of advanced techniques used in modern biomedical sciences research.
◾to provide students with the opportunity to practice research skills in the laboratory by completing an extensive research project in an area of their choice.

Projects

An important part of the MSc is your choice of research project; there are a huge number of choices available from a wide spectrum of biomedical science. Please see examples below:

• Making blood from human embryonic stem cells

• A gene-microarray based approach to the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin doping in endurance athletes

• Neuropathology of trypanosomiasis

• Development of a new technique for stem cell transfection

• Cloning and analysis of an inflammatory factor in cancer and autoimmune disease

• Analysis of viral induced cancer

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Molecular Pathology (MP) is a rapidly growing discipline in 21st century medicine. It integrates genomics and bioinformatics with modern pathology to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics as well as clinical trials delivery within the academic, health services and industry sectors in an era of precision medicine.

This MSc is an exciting, innovative blended learning programme aimed to enhance the participant’s theoretical knowledge and practical skills in MP and to empower them to pursue a career in academia, healthcare or industry. The course has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship; emphasising MP’s central role in molecular diagnostics, clinical trials and biotech/biopharma.

This Masters programme has been developed with a number of options in order to provide maximum flexibility of training. Candidates can take the Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Molecular Pathology of Cancer which will provide a solid foundation for those wishing to study MP at PhD level. The full-time MSc is also available as an intercalated degree for Medical and Dental students. Additionally, the three modules which are offered by Distance Learning are available as a ‘stand-alone’ Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.



Semester 1

All candidates will undertake traditional ‘face to face’ teaching for the three modules in Semester 1. This will be timetabled teaching. Some of the teaching sessions within the modules also form aspects of formal teaching for other PG programmes, providing the students with the opportunity to interact with other Masters students from different disciplines, which we feel enhances the student experience. Collectively, the modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Molecular Pathology

(1) Cancer Biology, Immunology and Genomics (15 CATs)

(2) Molecular Pathology – Diagnostics and Technologies (25 CATs)

(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)



Semester 2

Candidates will complete three modules which will be available ‘online’ as distance learning modules. Successful completion of Semester 1 modules plus Semester 2 modules without the research dissertation would be sufficient for a Diploma in Molecular Pathology. Collectively, the modules in Semester 2 without the Semester 1 modules would be sufficient for a Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.

(1) Digital Molecular Pathology (20 CATs)

(2) Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (20 CATs)

(3) Academia/Industry Interface (20 CATs)



Research component

Students will be able to plan their research project and work on their literature review during semester 1; beginning the practical work for their research project in Semester 2. Research projects will be available across a variety of subjects. Potential project areas for the MSc will include – Molecular Neuropathology; Cancer Immunology; Liquid Biopsies; Digital Pathology; Biobanking; Molecular Diagnostics; Bioinformatics. A number of projects will be put forward from the network of CRUK Accelerator Partners for those students with CRUK Accelerator bursaries who may wish to undertake their research as a placement at one of the partner sites.

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Research profile

The Neurobiology Division conducts research in the fields of neurobiology and neuropathology. We investigate mechanisms that regulate normal brain function as well as the causes and consequences of dysfunction during ageing and in acute or chronic neurodegenerative disease.

The division has an excellent track-record in the supervision and training of postgraduate students by staff highly experienced in teaching and research. It has 13 Group Leaders and 1 career track fellow who supervise more than 10 postgraduate students.

Why our work is important

Some of our current research focuses on:

-identifying new TSE strains and their zoonotic potential, examining routes of transmission and the genetics of host susceptibility to disease
-characterising the pathways and cells involved in the uptake and transport of TSE agents to the brain using rodent models and our natural scrapie sheep flock
-understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration associated with both chronic and acute neurodegenerative disease using unique disease models
-understanding the long-term consequences of adverse experiences in early life on future health
-identifying novel mechanisms regulating homeostasis and responses to stress in neuronal networks

In addressing these fundamental questions we contribute to the improvement of both animal and human health, livestock productivity and welfare.

Students will be able to take advantage of our multidisciplinary tools including proteomics, bio-imaging, computer-aided behavioural analysis, genetics, molecular biology, in vitro cell models, transgenic rodent models and natural diseases of large animals to dissect biological networks in the nervous and immune systems. The Roslin Institute is uniquely placed to transfer our experience of rodent models into livestock species such as sheep and pigs.

Training and support

Studentships are of 3 or 4 years duration and students will be expected to complete a novel piece of research which will advance our understanding of the field. To help them in this goal, students will be assigned a principal and assistant supervisor, both of whom will be active scientists at the Institute. Student progress is monitored in accordance with School Postgraduate (PG) regulations by a PhD thesis committee (which includes an independent external assessor and chair). There is also dedicated secretarial support to assist these committees and the students with regard to University and Institute matters.

All student matters are overseen by the Schools PG studies committee. The Roslin Institute also has a local PG committee and will provide advice and support to students when requested. An active staff:student liaison committee and a social committee, which is headed by our postgraduate liaison officer, provide additional support.

Students are expected to attend a number of generic training courses offered by the Transkills Programme of the University and to participate in regular seminars and laboratory progress meetings. All students will also be expected to present their data at national and international meetings throughout their period of study.

Facilities

In 2011 the Roslin Institute moved to a new state-of-the-art building on the University of Edinburgh's veterinary campus at Easter Bush. Our facilities include: rodent, bird and livestock animal units and associated lab areas; comprehensive bioinformatic and genomic capability; a range of bioimaging facilities; extensive molecular biology and cell biology labs; café and auditorium where we regularly host workshops and invited speakers.

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This Biomedical Sciences degree offers research training for students in order to gain all the required Biomedical Sience entry requirements to proceed to a PhD. It is largely based on individual research projects rather than coursework, and allows you to specialise in a particular area of study.

Why this programme

◾Ranked world top 100 for Biological Sciences
◾The Masters in Biomedical Science provides training in a wide range of modern molecular biology techniques required to pursue a research career.
◾You will gain valuable practical research experience by using the skills and techniques acquired during the programme to complete two extensive research projects.
◾The Biomedical Science programme is distinctive in that students complete two different extensive research projects of their choice, allowing them to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills directly relevant to the study of human disease.
◾If you are aiming to study for a higherBiomedical Science degree , this programme is designed for you.
◾If you want to enter the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, this programme provides excellent training; and is an ideal introduction for overseas students who may wish to proceed to PhD biomedical science studies in the UK.
◾You can choose to specialise within a particular discipline or area, which can be important for career development, see programme structure below for more information.

Programme structure

The overall aims of the programme are:
◾to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in laboratory research.
◾to provide students with a theoretical and practical understanding of advanced techniques used in modern biomedical sciences research.
◾to provide students with the opportunity to practice research skills in the laboratory by completing two extensive research projects.

MRes students have the opportunity to specialise in a particular discipline or area, which can be important for their career development. The specialisations are:
◾Biotechnology
◾Cancer Studies
◾Cardiovascular Studies
◾Cell Engineering
◾Integrative Mammalian Biology SFC funded places available

◾Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
◾Molecular Genetics
◾Neuroscience
◾Proteomics

To qualify for a specialisation, students must select two research projects in a cognate research area.

Research projects

The central and most important part of the MRes is the two research projects that students undertake. Students choose both projects themselves in the subject areas that interest them and that will allow them to follow the career path they wish to follow. The MRes programme has a huge number of projects which students can choose from, across a wide spectrum of biomedical science.

The following are examples of the types of projects offered, to illustrate the range of subject areas.

• Making blood from human embryonic stem cells

• A gene-microarray based approach to the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin doping in endurance athletes

• Neuropathology of trypanosomiasis

• Development of a new technique for stem cell transfection

• Cloning and analysis of an inflammatory factor in cancer and autoimmune disease

• Analysis of viral induced cancer

Each year students have about 100 different projects to choose from and all students find research topics that interest them.

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